If you could only use three hygiene products for the rest of your life, what would they be? After thinking long and hard, I decided that my choices would be toothpaste, soap, and deodorant.

Although information has circulated in the past stating that the aluminium compounds in antiperspirant cause cancer, no research has actually made that link. Even so, I’ve been looking into switching to a more natural deodorant because I don’t like the idea of aluminum plugging my sweat glands.

It was my original intent to try out a recipe for homemade deodorant, but I’ve been preoccupied with school. While I was at a Winnipeg Etsy Street Team event a couple of weeks ago (read my blog post about it here) I found a table selling all sorts of natural beauty and hygiene products, including deodorant. The ingredient list was eerily similar to the recipe I planned to try, and with a $5 price tag there was no reason for me to not buy it.

The deodorant is made by a Winnipeg-based Etsy shop, Mellow Crafts. After using it for a couple of weeks, I’m mostly satisfied with it. It’s has a bit of a slimy quality that I’m not crazy about, and the tea tree oil scent isn’t for everyone, but to its credit it actually works. I might try a different DIY recipe next time to find what works best with my body, but I’m happy about making the switch. Who needs aluminium anyway?